Casting-box for flat stereotype-plates.



C. E. HOPKINS.

CASTING BOX FDR FLAT SIEREOTYPE PLATES. APPLlCATlON FILED 0'01. w, 1913. RENEWED uuv. 16, me.

' 1,288,414. Patented Dec. 17, 1918.

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"a: nun: nun cm Pun-mill Iuulnrrmll. n c

C. E. HOPKENS.

CASTING BOX FOR FLAT STEREOTYPE PLATES.

APPLICATION FILED OCT. 16, 1913. RENEWED NOV. 16. W18.

1 288,4 1 49 Patented Dec. 17, 1918.

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C. PKINS.

CASTING BOX FOR STEREOTYPE PLATES. APPLICATION FILED OCT. :6, 1913. RENEWED NOV I 918 5, I 1 188,414. Patented Dec. 17, 1918. v 3 EEEEEEEEEEEE 3- UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES E. HOPKINS, 0F PLAI NFIELD, NEW JERSEY.

CASTING-BOX FOR FLAT STEREOTYPE-PLATES.

Application filed October 16, 1913, Serial No. 795,395.

To all whom 2'25 may concern Be it known that I, CHARLES E. H PKINS, a citizen of the United States, formerly re siding at New York, in the county of New York and State of New York, but now at Plainfield, county of Union, State of New Jersey, have invented a new and useful Casting-Box for Flat Stereotype-Plates, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a casting box, the principle of which is capable of general use but is especially adapted for making fiat stereotype printing plates.

The principal objects of the invention are to provide a new relative arrangement of the back and cover of such a casting box so that the cover will swing on a horizontal axis and assist in supporting the back at one end so that the back can swing to and from the cover without materially changing its vertical position; also to provide an improved means for controlling the motion of the parts; to provide improved casting bars for holding the matrix and separating it from the cast plate; to provide the casting bars with means whereby they can be released from the back in such a way as to deliver the matrix with the plate when desired; and to provide means whereby the plate is positively held on the cover when the box opens.

The invention also involves certain features of construction of these parts as will appear hereinafter.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 is a side elevation of a preferred embodiment of the invention showing the mold open and also showing in dotted lines the position just before the parts become locked;

Fig. 2 is an end View thereof;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1 of a portion of the device on enlarged scale in casting position;

Fig. 4 isan end view of the parts shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a plan of the parts in the position shown in Figs. 3 and 4;

Fig. 6 is a front view of a portion of the two casting bars; Fig. 7 is a sectional'view thereof on the line 77 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view on enlarged scale on the line 88 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view on enlarged scale of a detail of construction; and

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 17, 1918.

Renewed November 16, 1918. Serial No. 262,912.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view on the line 10. 10 of Fig. 9.

The machine is shown as comprising a main frame 10 having in the sides thereof a pair of opposite curved slots 11 constituting guides as will appear hereinafter. On the frame are trunnions or the like 12 on which the cover 13 is pivotally mounted so that the cover can swing on a horizontal axis about half way between its ends.

The cover and back are provided with brackets 14 at their lower ends in which is journaled a shaft 15. The flat cover 13 and back 16 are both pivoted on this shaft and together constitute the main part of the mold or casting box.

On trunnions 17 on the back are rolls 17 in the guides 11. These trunnions are made adjustable so that liners 19 can be positioned between the rear seat of each trunnion and a seat 19 formed on the rear side of the back 16. This is to provide for varying the thickness of the cast plates. These guides are so shaped that when the handle 18 on the back is lifted and brought forward from the position shown in full lines of Fig. 1, the rolls will be raised out of depressions 11 at the ends of the guides and then the weight of the back will be supported entirely by the cover 13. This causes the lower end of the cover and the entire back to descend while the rolls 17 descend along the double curved portion of the guides 11 until the rolls reach the end of the main portions of the guides. Then the rolls descend into pockets 11*, the front edges of which are drawn on a curve slightly eccentric with respect to the trunnions 12. Thus, when the rolls descend into the position shown in Fig. 3, the two parts 13 and 16 are locked together in vertical position.

In this position the metal can be poured into the mold and cast. To separate the mold parts, a second handle 20 is operated which is located on a counter weight 21 which depends from the upper end of the mold member 13. This is pulled forward and downward and causes the rolls 17 to rise in the guides, unlocks the mold parts and causes the back to rise to the position shown in Fig. 1, while the cover swings over to horizontal position. lVhen the rolls enter the depressions 11 the frame supports the back and none of its weight is carried by the cover.

The invention also involves other features,

one of which consists of a set of casting bars. This consists of a casting bar 22 and a casting bar 23 parallel with it and of L-shaped construction. The horizontal portion 24: of the bar '23 constitutes an end casting bar or head gage sliding in a passage 25 in the bar which constitutes a guide. This passage is located in a projection 26 in the outside of the bar 2 2 so as to steady these parts as they are moved back and forth. Each of the casting bars provided with a screw-thread ed hub 27 which is operated by a double worm 2 8 on the shaft 15 by means of a hand wheel 29 as shown in my prior application for patent Serial No. 758,999, filed April 5, 1913. In this way the two side casting bars can be moved back and forth and the end casting bar is always in proper condition.

In addition to the casting bars being operated by the worm 28, it also constitutes a pivot for the casting bars, whereby they can be swung either toward or from the back 16. For this purpose the two casting bars are provided with angular projections 30 at the top and on these are pivoted eccentric locking devices 31 provided with operating handles 32. These engage a lug 33 cast on the end of the back. When locked in position as shown in Fig. 3, these casting bars cooperate with the back and hold a matrix in the way indicated in my above mentioned application. The margins of the matrix enter recesses 34 in the edges of the faces and when the locking devices 31 are released, before the mold is opened, the casting bars will stay with the back 16 and deliver the matrix on top of the cast plate in position for inspection or replacement.

In order that the delivery of the cast plate on the cover 13 may be assured, this cover is provided at its end with a shaft 35 having an operating handle 36 and provided with casting hooks 37. These hooks are adapted to extend into the riser portion of the mold between the two mold memlbers as indicated in Fig. 3 so that the metal is cast around them. lVhen the parts separate this end of the plate will stay with the cover. 011 account of the tapering shape of the ends of these hooks, the turning of the handle into the position shown in Fig. 1 readily releases them from the cast plate when it is desired to remove the latter.

For the purpose of causing the lower end of the plate to move positively with'the cover a cross bar 40 is provided along the bottom of the cover 13 having tapering undercut recesses a l into which the molten metal enters when the plate is cast. This forms a lock for that end of the cast plate to prevent its rising, but of course, it does not prevent the longitudinal withdrawal of the plate when the parts are in the position therefor. I

In operation, the operator pushes the mar gins of the matrix down into the recesses of the casting bars and positions the matrix. He then pulls the lock eccentrics 31 to draw the casting bars tight against the back and the margins of the matrix being in position, he grasps the handle 18 and swings the sup porting rollers of the back out of the looking depressions l1 whereupon the weight of the back will cause the rollers to move down the guides, the cover to rock on its pivots and the back to descend. As the downward movement continues, the back advances as the cover turns on its pivot until their castingfaces engage.

Ordinarily, the momentum of the moving bodies will drive the guiding rollers of the back around the eccentric portion 11 in the guide ways and solidly lock the two mold members in casting position. The plate clamping hooks 37 are then turned into position within the open-mouth of the casting chamber.

The cast is now made by pumping or ladling molten metal into the casting chamber. After allowing sufficient time for the metal to solidify, the operator takes hold of the handle 20 and pulls forward so as to turn the cover on its pivot. This action causes the guide rollers to reverse their movement and aided [by the counterbalance 21, the back is guided up the guideways.

As the rollers reach the locking depressions 11 the weight of the back causes it to overbalance and swing on its hinged pivot and thus lock itself and the counteracting mold member in open position. During this opening operation, the matrix has automatically separated from the cast plate and is carried along with the back while the cast plate is positively forced to remain on the cover 13 and move with it.

The operator then takes hold of the plate hook lever 36 and withdraws the hooks from engagement with the metal of the riser thereof. This leaves the cast plate face up on the cover in position for inspection and it can be removed by the operator at will and the operation repeated if more than one plate is to be cast from the same matrix.

If only one plate is desired from the matrix, the operation, until after the casting is completed, is just the same, but before opening the casting chamber, the operator releases the casting bar eccentrics 31. He then opens the chamber in the way hereinbefore described and the casting bars by the action of gravity remain on the cast plate taking the matrix with them. The releasing of the matrix in this way, of course, is done on the last cast also after a series are cast from one matrix so that the bars and back can be cleaned for the next run of casts.

Certain matter shown but not claimed herein is claimed in my prior co-pending ap- Cir plication Serial No. 230,844, originally filed April 5, 1913 under Serial No. 758,999.

Although I have illustrated and described only a single embodiment of the invention and shown it as applied for the casting of a fiat plate only, I am aware of the fact that modifications can be made therein by any person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the claims, therefore, I do not wish to be limited in these respects, but what I claim is 1. In an apparatus for casting stereotype plates, the combination of a pivoted cover, a back hinged to said cover, and fixed guideways for guiding the back toward or away from the pivoted cover and keeping it practically in a vertical position.

In an apparatus for casting stereotype plates, the combination of fixed guideways, a cover, a co-acting back supported in said guideways, and means in the guideways for holding the back away from the cover and thereafter holding it against the cover as and for the purpose set forth.

3. In an apparatus for casting stereotype plates, the combination of a frame, a cover pivoted thereon to swing on a horizontal axis, a back pivoted to the end of said cover, and guide rolls 011 said back, said frame having guides for receiving the rolls and guiding the back to keep it substantially in vertical position as the cover swings between horizontal and vertical positions.

at. In an apparatus for casting stereotype plates, the combination of a frame, a cover pivoted thereon to swing on a horizontal axis, a back pivoted to the end of said cover, and guide rolls on said back, said frame having guides for receiving the rolls and guidingsaid back into a position back from the cover when the cover is horizontal and in position against the cover when the cover is substantially in vertical position, said guides having depressions at the ends for holding the back in both extreme positions.

In an apparatus for casting stereotype plates, the combination of a frame, a cover pivoted thereon to swing on a horizontal axis, and a back pivoted to the end of said cover and supported thereby, said frame having means for guiding said back into position against the cover when the cover is substantially in vertical position, and for lockin the back in position against the cover.

, 6. In an apparatus for casting stereotype plates, the combination of a frame, a cover pivoted thereon to swing on a horizontal axis, and a back pivoted to the end of said cover and supported thereby, said frame having means for guiding said back into a position back from the cover when the cover is horizontal and in position against the cover when the cover is substantially in vertical position, and for locking the back in the latter position against the cover and for holding it in the open position.

7. In an apparatus for casting stereotype plates, the combination of a cover, a movable back, adjustable matrix clamping means cooperating with the back, plate clamping means cooperating with the cover, and means for separating the back and cover and simul taneously separating a matrix and cast plate.

8. In an apparatus for casting stereotype plates, the combination of a cover and a back, with casting bars pivoted between said cover and back, means for locking the bars to the back, said casting bars having means thereinbetween for clamping a matrix, and means for separating the matrix from a cast plate or delivering said matrix with the plate as desired.

9. In an apparatus for casting stereotype plates, the combination of a back and co-acting cover, with adjustable casting bars cooperating with both back and cover, means on the bars for separating a matrix from a cast plate, and means for delivering the cas plate type face up on the cover.

10. In an apparatus for casting stereotype plates, the combination or" a frame, a cover pivoted on said frame to swing about a horizontal axis intermediate of its ends, a back pivoted to the end of said cover, means on said frame for guiding the back as the cover swings, and pivoted means on said cover adapted to enter the casting space for holding the cast plate on the cover as the cover and back are separated.

11. In an apparatus for cast-ing stereotype plates, the combination with a cover mounted to turn on a horizontal axis, a back pivoted to the end of said cover, means for guiding the back to retain substantially a vertical position as the cover swings, and

plate hooks pivoted on said cover and adapted to enter the space between the cover and back for positively holding a plate against the cover when the back is separated from it.

12. In a mold for casting stereotype plates, the combination of two mold members adapted to cooperate to form a casting chamber, and means whereby said members can be separated, of plate hooks pivoted to one of said members for entering the space between them and holding a cast plate against said member when the two members are separated.

13. In a mold for casting stereotype plates, the combination of two separable mold members with means on one of said members for entering the space between them and holding a cast plate against that member when the two members are separated.

14. In a mold for casting stereotype plates, the combination of two separable mold members with means on one of said members for entering the space between them and holding a cast, plate against that member when the two members are separated, said means being constructed and arranged to be withdrawn from the cast plate to free the same from that mold member.

15. In a mold for casting stereotype plates,-

the combination of two separable mold members with means on one of said members for entering the space between them and holding a cast plate against that member when the two members are separated, and means on the other mold member for. holding a matrix, whereby when the members are separated, the matrix will move with one member and the plate with the other and be separated from each other.

16. In an apparatus for casting stereotype plates, the combination of a pair of separable mold members, means on one of said members for holding a plate against said member as the two mold members are separated and means on the other member but adapted to be released therefrom for holding a matrix thereon when the mold members are separated.

17. In an apparatus for casting stereotype plates, the combination of a pair of separable mold members, means on one of said members for holding a plate against said member as the two mold members are separated and means on the other member for holding a matrix thereon when the mold members are separated, said matrix holding means being adapted to rest on the other member upon the separation of the mold members when released from its mold member.

18. In n apparatus for casting fiat stereotype plates, the combination of a fiat casting back, a flat casting cover, means for separating a matrix from a stereotype plate cast between said back and cover and means for adjusting the matrix separating means.

19. A device for casting fiat stereotype plates comprising an angle castir g bar and a co-acting bar having a projection provided with a passage extending throughout the length thereof for one angle of the angle bar for the purpose set forth.

20. A mold for casting fiat stereotype plates comprising a mold member and a pair of casting bars adapted to be held thereon, one of said casting bars extending along one side of the mold member and the other being of an L-shaped construction, the first named bar having a passage therethrough for receiving and guiding one of the parts of said L-shaped member- 21. In a mold for casting flat stereo-type plates, the combination of a flat mold memher, a pair of casting bars therefor pivoted thereto and extending along the sides thereof, one of said casting bars having an end bar fixed thereto, and means whereby said casting bars can be clamped to or released from said mold member so as to swing on their pivots. V

22. In a mold for casting stereotype plates, the combination with a pair of mold members, of a cross bar between said members at one end provided with undercut recesses for receiving molten metal from the cast plate and forming a lock therewith to hold that end of the cast plate against one of said mold members.

23. In a casting box, the combination of a back, a cover therefor pivoted to the back on an axis at one side of. the back, gages pivoted to the back, means for moving said gages toward and from each other, and means carried by the cover for fixing it to the back.

In testimony whereof 1 have hereunto set my hand in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

CHARLES E. HOPKINS. lVitness es P. M. STOCKER, L. LLOYD.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents. Washington, D. Q. 

